The following Mission Statement, Vision Statement, Guiding Principles, and Shared Values were adapted from the statements, principles, and values used in the comprehensive services plan developed in 1998. They were subsequently reviewed and revised with relatively minor modifications in 2002. In early CY 2005, the Mission, Vision, Principles and Values were reviewed by the following Planning Council groups: Empowerment Committee and Community Access Subcommittee; Planning Committee and Subcommittees; Quality Management and Subcommittees; Council Development Committee and Executive Committee. The Planning Council had initially reviewed proposed changes at its January 2005 meeting and adopted them at the April Planning Council meeting.

A 30-day review and comment period for the draft 2006-2008 Comprehensive HIV Services Plan will allow consumers and members of the general public to offer their comments and propose additional changes.

Mission Statement

To maintain the optimum health of all those living with HIV/AIDS in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties through developing and implementing a comprehensive, consumer-centered continuum of care.

Vision Statement

There is a stable funding base to support the full continuum of HIV-related medical care and support services within the Riverside/San Bernardino, California EMA. There are no significant gaps in service. Services are available regardless of the ability to pay and are consumer-centered, user-friendly, culturally competent, well-publicized, and geographically accessible. These accomplishments will be achieved through strong public/private partnerships and will enhance the quality of life and sense of well-being among people living with HIV/AIDS in the EMA. There is no stigma associated with HIV/AIDS.

Guiding Principles and Shared Values

The Inland Empire HIV Planning Council members want to keep consumers at the forefront of everyone's minds continually. Therefore, the Guiding Principles developed by the Planning Council stress a consumer-centered continuum of care.

Guiding Principles

To improve health outcomes:

• There is a concerted effort to identify, bring into, and maintain in care all persons living with HIV/AIDS who may or may not know their status.
• Consumers are to be treated with dignity, compassion and respect.
• There must be reliable and easily accessible information about treatment, service options, and resources.
• There must be streamlined, equitable access to a comprehensive system of quality services.
• The system will be driven by consumers and advocate for consumer needs.
• Care systems will be revised to meet emerging needs.
• Consumers must receive help with needs that extend beyond those that are specifically HIV-related.
• Services will be structured to encourage consumers to share in the responsibility for their health care.
• There must be outreach to those least able to access care.
• Consumers must be afforded the opportunity to contribute to the planning and delivery of services.
• CARE Act funds will be the funds of last resort.
• The impact of CARE Act funds must be evaluated, and improvements to the quality of service must be made as needed.

Shared Values

The shared values are divided into five categories: 1) How services are provided, 2) Where services are provided, 3) What services are provided, 4) For whom services are provided, and 5) By whom services are provided.

How Services Provided

• Preserves clients' right to confidentiality
• Compassionate, dignified, respectful, empowering
• Cost-effective
• High quality
• Equitable
• Culturally and linguistically competent
• Holistic
• Timely
• Logical
• According to established standards
• Safe, supportive, and barrier-free environment
• Consumer centered

Where Services Provided

• Accessible from all geographic areas
• Facilitate access with improved transportation and emerging communications technology
• Information on where services are provided should be available using multiple modalities
• Services are located in areas of greatest need

What Services Provided

• Services that prolong and enhance the quality of life
• Services that reduce the spread of HIV
• Services that promote maximizing health

For Whom Services Provided

• People infected and affected by HIV/AIDS in our community

By Whom

• Qualified providers
• Providers who are representative of the communities they serve
• By a balance of public sector organizations and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs):
• Services will be coordinated with other healthcare and social service delivery systems